Archive for July 2013

There is a deadly philosophy creeping through our hearts and homes. Lingering and tantalizing. Bringing with it a sense of apathy and complacency. Justified with the arguments brought to us by the world...beckoning us to hold back. To reserve oneself. To take time for "your needs". To make sure "you have enough for you" first. To only give...when it is comfortable and convenient to do so. To only serve...when accolades are loud and appreciation is flowing. To only love...when it is reciprocated and the object is congenial.

But this runs contrary to the example given to us by our Savior. Who being in very nature GOD...did not consider equality with God something to be used for His own advantage, rather, He made Himself NOTHING by taking the form of a Servant...humbling Himself...becoming obedient...even to death on a cross. (Phil. 2:6-8)

He was poured out. Without restraint. Without reserve. Without holding back. No thought to Himself...only to the will of the Father and the salvation of His people. That is what true ministry looks like. To give of oneself with utter abandonment. Knowing that the One who calls is sufficient enough to fill that which is left dry. To obey without conditions.

Paul considered himself empty. Completely spent. All of himself...poured out before the Lord...on the altar...as an offering.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

II Timothy 4:6-8

Likening himself to the burnt offerings of old, he envisioned his life completely at the behest of his Master. His perspective was not on this world...not on his own comfort, not on how he was "feeling", not on how others could benefit him...or make him look good...but his perspective was on the eternal. What other purpose was there to live this brief life on earth...but completely poured out to the One who secured his eternity.

On the exit of his life, Paul could look back and confidently say that he gave all he had without restraint...holding nothing back. He fought...not coasted...all the way to the end. Knowing that there is a war raging round him...the petty enticements of this world could not entrap him.

If these are the examples set before us...what has become the stumbling block for us? The inhibitor? The restraint? Where are the faithful saints that give with reckless abandonment? That love without restriction or conditions? That serve tirelessly...selflessly...and cheerfully?

Could it be that our sights are not set upon the crown of righteousness set before us? Have we forgotten the righteous Judge that holds our reward in hand? Has this temporal life dimmed our love for His appearing? Have we adjusted our gospel to fit into our self-centered culture? Diminishing sacrifice and glorifying self.

Unfortunately, the church is not characterized by radical obedience...rather a comfortable existence. Few and far between are the ones willing to actually "feel" their sacrifice. But the reality is this...there is still time.

There is still time to put aside the "American-dream" and grab hold of the eternal reward. There is still time to dismiss the prominence, the success, the prestige, the accolades...the temporal trappings of this world.

There is still time to say as Paul, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." To have your sights so securely set on the prize before you that the circumstances surrounding you become merely the backdrop of God's grace to be shown. To anticipate with longing the appearing of the Lord.

There is still time...to be poured out...

I think we have FINALLY started the lazy days of summer!

With travelling and VBS and different commitments...our June was packed to the brim with activities!!!

The week we got back from Arizona we made a quick trip to the strawberry patch...hoping that there were still some left on the vines since we had missed the opening of the season.

After several very rainy days...the sun came out and we had some BEAUTIFUL berries to pick from.

I spent most of my time keeping a close eye on Hailey and Jackson...they didn't really contribute many berries to the bucket because they were so busy tasting all of them!

I probably should have kept a better eye on the older kids...I think the only qualifications for them was that the berry was red...so I ended up with two buckets of extremely tiny berries!

Oh well!!!

Our friends, the Richardsons, came and stayed with us from San Antonio for a short, but sweet, time.

We are so thankful for the wisdom, love, encouragement, & support these friends have poured into our lives over the last year!

There were seven kids in the house...and the noise level definitely notched up a bit...thankfully, the four of us were able to get a quiet break to head out and spend a few hours eating and having a great time!

Then it was time for VBS!!!

VBS week has been the highlight of our summer so far.

With over 750 kids in attendance it was a packed out house!

This was my third year on the music team...and I must say...I had a BLAST!!!

I am not very talented in the area of dancing, co-ordination, or even rhythm...but thankfully...kids don't care!

I also had the privilege of teaching the preschoolers Bible-time.
There were about fifty little ones all packed in one room...waiting for me to capture their attention...and dazzle them with truths of God's Word.
These precious little guys were a delight to be with...smothering me with hugs and kisses each and every day!

Amy and Tyler both had super fun groups with fantastic leaders.

It was a great week with many memories imprinted on our family!

After VBS. we had a wonderful 4th of July...celebrating our freedom and family with some close friends.
Then we packed up our stuff and headed to the lake with our friends, the Howards!!

It was a jam-packed house...with nine children and four adults...but it was FUN!!!
This is our second summer we've been graciously hosted by the Howard family.
I'm sure it cannot be easy to double the noise in your home...but they didn't seem to mind all the craziness our family brought them! :-)
It has been a considerably rainy summer...and even the morning we arrived it was lightly drizzling.
But thankfully, Mr Jeff had the magic touch...when we went out on the boat...the clouds went away!!!
The kids tried to be daredevils on the boat...while I tried to keep my breakfast in my stomach!!!

Right before we left...Jeff and Jason tried to get a fire going so we could roast marshmallows...

thankfully...it started pouring right AFTER the last bite was popped into our mouths!

So yummy and delicious!

The kids had such a fun (uninteruppted) time of playing with their friends.

This lil miss just could not get enough s'mores!
Good to the very last bite! :-)

It was a busy June...and start to July.
But now I'm ready for those lazy summer days...just kicking back!!

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